Histories

Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James A. Weedmark (RA19858329), Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop D, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Five Weedmark distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 June 1967 as a helicopter repairman with the 9th Infantry Division. Upon receiving an urgent request to help evacuate over one hundred casualties from a heated battle, Specialist Weedmark's aircraft proceeded to the site of the conflict and made a landing amid machine gun cross fire. Bullets immediately riddled the helicopter, wounding the aircraft commander as some of the casualties were placed aboard. Specialist Weedmark climbed atop the aircraft to assess the damage, and after he had determined that the aircraft was operative, the wounded were flown to a hospital. The helicopter returned for another load. As additional patients were being placed aboard, Specialist Weedmark was wounded in the thigh. Observing another rescue helicopter crash nearby, he ignored the painful injury, ran across fifty meters of open rice paddy laced with fierce enemy fire, and pulled the survivors from the wreckage. As he carried a wounded man to a protected position he was shot a second time. His own helicopter had been too badly damaged by the intense barrage to take off, and he proceeded to remove the casualties aboard to a place of safety. Specialist Weedmark continued to move between the two downed ships, disregarding his safety to secure radio equipment, weapons and ammunition. Using a machine gun, he then placed a furious volume of fire on the enemy. Wounded a third time, Specialist Weedmark finally fell unconscious from loss of blood and the tremendous strain of his exertions. Specialist Five Weedmark's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3251 (July 10, 1968)